August 4, 2022

River cruises have long been a secret of the well-traveled in Europe.

Unlike their big-ship counterparts, river cruises are sleek, elegant, and refined. The smaller, more intimate ships mean a greater attention to detail when it comes to onboard amenities, furnishings, and meals.

River cruises sail with less than 200 guests onboard - compared to the average ocean cruise ship passenger capacity, which is around 3,000 guests. It is a completely different experience. You can enjoy a relaxed pace of travel that visits some lesser-known spots interspersed with the famous sites - with plenty time to linger, explore, and enjoy the local flavour.

For those concerned about motion sickness, river cruises are much smoother than a cruise ship - instead of sailing on open ocean (which can be wavy and unpredictable), river cruise ships are low and wide, and meander along waterways that are gentle and calm.

And, there are just so many beautiful rivers to explore!

Here are 6 splendid river cruising itineraries

around the world

These are not in any particular order:

Danube River, Central Europe
Nile River, Egypt
Amazon River, Peru
Douro River, Portugal
Mekong River, Vietnam & Cambodia
Zambezi River

Danube River, Central Europe

This gorgeous area of Central Europe is where river cruising got its start, navigating the shallow waters that wind through multiple countries. This is the perfect itinerary for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and culture-vultures alike.

Grand Danube Cruise with AMA Waterways

This 14-night cruise journeys along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered—Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos. Experience the Romans’ influence firsthand in Pécs, “the city of Mediterranean impressions," and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From the imposing capitals of Budapest and Vienna to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.

You’ll travel with AmaWaterways, an award-winning river cruise line that treats their guests to luxury experiences highlighted by truly amazing locally sourced cuisine, a variety of included excursions in every port and unparalleled service.

Standout Experience: Explore the unique rooms and spectacular pebble mosaic grotto at Grein’s Greinberg Castle, before being treated to an exclusive folklore show and wine reception - reserved for AmaWaterways guests.

More info available here , or reach out to inquire.

Nile River, Egypt

Egypt is a bucket list destination for many of us - who doesn’t dream of seeing the pyramids for ourselves one day? I certainly do! What is almost as alluring to imagine is the storied Nile River, the longest river in the world that starts in Central Egypt and snakes its way through Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

Splendours of Egypt & the Nile with Uniworld

For 12 adventure-filled days, experience Egypt and the Nile’s most wondrous sites in style and luxury with Uniworld River Cruises.

Wander amongst the towering ruins of the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest ancient religious complex, and the entrancing Temple of Luxor. Follow in the footsteps of renowned scholars and explorers as you venture forth into the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty. Journey to Giza to gaze upon the mighty ancient Pyramids and the Sphinx.

This captivating itinerary begins and ends in Cairo, where you’ll visit the famous Egyptian Museum and its un-rivaled collection of pharaonic artifacts.

Standout Experience: Visit an incredible 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total on this cruise; when you tire of all that epic sightseeing, you can retreat to lavish accommodations, in river-view staterooms and 5-star hotels, along the way.

More info available here , or reach out to inquire.

Amazon River, Peru

Rising in the Peruvian Andes, the Amazon River is unparalleled to any other river on Earth. This epic river sustains the 10 million people who live on its banks, and it is (thus far) impossible to build bridges over. Its massive volumes of water feed the adjacent Amazon Rainforest - did you know that over one third of all species recorded in the world are found in the Amazon Basin, making it the largest collection of living plant and animal species on Earth?!

Delfin III Itinerary of the Peruvian Amazonia with Delfin Amazon Cruises

Whether you choose a 3- or 4-night stay cruise, rest assured you will get have an unforgettable experience. The itinerary has been carefully crafted to showcase the best flora and fauna that the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve have to offer, along with some of the best ideal soft adventure excursions to further discover the secrets of the Peruvian Amazonia.

The top draw for the Amazon is the opportunity to spot amazing wildlife. As the largest tract of tropical rainforest in the Americas, the Amazonian rainforest boasts unparalleled biodiversity, and it has been estimated that many hundreds of million species may yet to be discovered.

On this leisurely cruise, you have the opportunities to do so many unique activities: they truly have adventure to suit all tastes. spot the elusive pink river dolphins,

Standout Experience: All activities are optional, but there are a large array of experiences to enjoy, including kayaking in the calm creeks and lakes, swimming with unique pink river dolphins, fishing for piranhas at sunset, skirting the riverbanks in search of playful river creatures, trail walks through the jungle, and visits to local communities to interact with the native people.

More info available here, or reach out to inquire.

Douro River, Portugal

Flowing through Northern Portugal from Spain, the Douro River cuts a dramatic swathe through the Douro Valley, traversing a spectacularly beautiful region. You will be treated to enchanting landscapes, local culinary delights, port and wine tastings and tales of a fascinating history and culture.

Delightful Douro with Scenic

From the windswept seaside to the astonishing beauty of the Douro Valley, this 8-day cruise is a journey of contemplation and elegance. In Porto, board the luxurious Scenic Azure, which will transport you through the hidden gem that is the Douro Valley. Days will be spent immersed in the proud history and culture of a unique land that still retains many of its centuries-old traditions.

Scenic is a luxury cruise line that will treat you to a truly all inclusive 5-star experience. The price of the cruise includes 20 meals, premium beverages all day, complimentary wifi, airport transfers, butler service for every suite - everything you could need for a perfectly pampered trip.

The Scenic Azure boasts spacious balcony suites to accommodate up to 96 guests, and an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge for

Standout Experience: Enjoy a private classical music concert at the impressive São Francisco Church in Porto, a special evening experience that is exclusive to Scenic.

More info available here, or reach out to inquire.

Mekong River, Vietnam & Cambodia

Winding through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, this mightly river is bursting with colour and life. The longest river in Southeast Asia, it is a kingdom of biodivisertiy in both its water and on its banks. With roughly 1,100 freshwater species including the Giant Catfish and the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin, fish thrive in the waters alongside plant species such as various forms of algae and even some carnivorous plants.

Mekong Discovery (Northbound) with Avalon Waterways

On this unique and inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most interesting places along the mighty Mekong River.

Experience the beauty and intrigue of Southeast Asia on a Mekong river cruise with Avalon Waterways. As you journey along on this 8 day river cruise, you'll be immersed in Asian culture and cuisine. Rich history creates a storied backdrop perfect for exploring the temples, markets and villages that make this area so unique. Plus, Avalon's VIP access gives you room to explore everything – ancient ruins, architectural wonders and more. This once-in-a-lifetime Southeast Asia river cruise vacation is sure to create lasting memories!

Standout Experience: On a hilltop at the site of the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey, take in the stunning views before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren, and partake in a traditional water blessing by local monks.

More info available here, or reach out to inquire.

Chobe River, Africa

Forming the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park as well as much of Botswana's border with Namibia's Caprivi Strip, the Chobe River is an integral part of the Botswana safari experience and combines easily with the Okavango Delta and Kalahari. The river can also be accessed from its Namibian side, and its close proximity to Victoria Falls means easy day trips both ways.

Rising in the Angolan highlands and then twisting along geological fault lines as it winds its way to the Zambezi River, the Chobe is flanked by riverine forests, floodplains and open woodlands. Only a few dozen kilometres of riverfront are accessible, either by 4X4 or boat, but the rewards are huge: the Chobe River is the scene for some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa as well as providing a safe haven for the continent's greatest concentration of elephants.

Chobe river cruises are typically part of a longer itinerary that includes one or more stays in safari lodges.

Zambezi Queen with AMA Waterways

Designed specifically for wildlife viewing, the intimate 28-passenger Zambezi Queen river boat made her debut in one of the world’s most captivating places, Africa’s legendary Chobe River. As she drifts along the river, animals perceive no threat, affording you with once-in-a-lifetime up-close game experiences.

Additionally, to ensure no harm to the environment, the eco-friendly Zambezi Queen uses a water jet propulsion system, fuel-efficient and low-emission generators, and a solar heating system. An enclosed, air-conditioned dining room, lounge and bar grace the top deck, as well as an open-air Sun Deck complete with plunge pool. Suites feature private balconies where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the river and African landscape.

AMA Waterways’ cruise on the Chobe River offer luxurious land and safari programs that include the UNESCO-designated Victoria Falls, stays at authentic wildlife lodges, unforgettable safaris through national parks and more. Sailings feature Chobe National Park, where you'll experience game viewing via smaller private boats or open game-drive vehicles.Throughout the day, you’ll be treated to complimentary South African wines, beer, local spirits, soft drinks and bottled water.